ValenciaSailing- Coutts - 'Ready for March 2009'

by ValenciaSailing on 17 Jul 2008
ValenciaSailing reports on the media conference today in Munich:

Here are the first comments from the BMW Oracle press conference, held in the German manufacturer's headquarters in Munich.

As it was expected, the main announcement came from BMW. The German auto group will continue sponsoring the American America's Cup challenger. There was the usual talk about technology transfer between Formula 1 cars and America's Cup sailing. Despite the failure of BMW Oracle in the 32nd edition in Valencia, the presence of Russell Coutts was the main factor that made the Germans stick to Larry Ellison's team.

The only news that was of interest was Coutts' view of the legal process. The kiwi CEO of the American team thinks that the appellate division of the NY court will uphold Justice Cahn's order that the 33rd America's Cup match be raced in March 2009 in Valencia or any other place Alinghi might choose. This seems to be in contradiction with the Deed of Gift that prohibits a race in March in the northern hemisphere. Nevertheless, according to what he has been told by their lawyers, a judge can issue such a decision. As a result, Coutts and company are getting ready for a race in March 2009, expecting Alinghi to reveal the location in September, as ordered by Justice Cahn.

Coutts stated that he will certainly not helm the yacht in the 33rd America's Cup and hopes he could at least be onboard.

For the full story see: www.valenciasailing.com